Common Room.
Maria Koori, calmly sipping her tea, mentioned to Tristan, "Today our guild master, Ooba Babasaaama, returns."
Tristan, nibbling on a strawberry cake, paused and asked with interest, "And what is she like?"
Maximus, who had just entered the room, joined the conversation with a mysterious tone, "She's small but imposing, a true legend in our city of Margaret."
Tristan leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "A legend? Like an epic warrior from the ancient tales?"
Maria, with a complicit smile, added, "Exactly. She has an astonishing vitality for her age. She's... unique, to say the least."
Tristan imagined a small but muscular old woman, a heroic and formidable figure. "She must be someone who commands respect and even fear," he reflected.
Maximus, struggling to keep a straight face, added, "They say she's so powerful that even demons knelt before her, begging for forgiveness for their mistakes."
Tristan, impressed, envisioned a muscular old woman battling demons. "Wow, so she must be an epic old lady who fights with demons! Amazing!"
At that moment, the door burst open and an authoritative voice echoed in the room: "Jura, come here now!" ordered the guild master.
Tristan, surprised and a bit scared by the dramatic entrance, whispered in awe, "Wow, that's cool!"
Maximus, struggling to contain a laugh, thought to himself, "If only you knew, Tristan. Ooba Babasaaama is a cunning old lady surrounded by myths and exaggerations. It's her cunning that makes her legendary rather than epic battles against demons."
Jura approached with a mix of respect and slight fear at the elder's sternness. With a balanced voice, he responded, "Yes, master. How can I assist?"
The master, with a piercing gaze and an impatient tone, said, "The Magic Council has been asking about you. What in the world have you been doing to draw so much attention?"
Jura, somewhat puzzled but maintaining his composure, replied, "I have no idea, master. My last job was quite routine."
"Routine, eh?" Ooba Babasaaama frowned. "Well, it seems you've caught the attention of someone important. Go see what they want and don't do anything foolish."
Jura nodded solemnly. "Of course, master. I'll make sure to handle this carefully."
Ooba Babasaaama's voice thundered once more: "Maria, come here!"
Maria approached, her steady and determined steps hiding the anxiety she felt. "Yes, master. I'm here," she replied, trying to sound calm.
"Why did you follow the demonic wolf into the Lamia Forest instead of eliminating it as I ordered?" demanded Ooba, her eyes shining with a mix of frustration and fear.
Maria, with controlled breathing, passionately replied, "Master, the wolf was an imminent threat to the villagers. I decided to follow it to prevent more deaths. It was a risk I had to take."
Ooba frowned, her voice rising in a mix of anger and fear: "Reckless! What would have happened if it had killed you? What if the guild lost you?"
Maria's frustration turned into fury. "I had no other choice, Ooba! It was that or let the wolf continue attacking! Isn't that what we do, protect the innocent?"
At that moment, Maximus intervened, trying to calm the spirits. "Ladies, please, there's no need to..."
He couldn't finish his sentence. A simultaneous blow from Maria and master Ooba sent him flying, and the sound of his body breaking the ceiling reverberated throughout the room.
Tristan, amazed, barely managed to react. His imagination struggled to visualize the scene, but what was clear was the strength and temper both women possessed. Despite his blindness, Tristan felt there was much more to Lamia Scale than he could have ever imagined.
The silence that followed the chaotic episode was broken by approaching footsteps. A female voice, laden with arrogance, resonated in the room: "I see, this is Lamia Scale."
Tristan, alert and curious, wondered who the new arrival was. Maria and master Ooba, regaining their composure, turned towards the girl's voice.
Master Ooba said, "I told you to wait outside, Elysia."
The girl, apparently named Elysia, replied, "I was bored outside, it seems this place is more interesting."
Master Ooba sighed and then told the guild members, "Meet Elysia, she is my student."
The guild members welcomed Elysia.
Maria, having observed the interaction between master Ooba and Elysia, couldn't help but feel a spark of competitiveness. With a mix of pride and a hint of arrogance, she addressed master Ooba: "So you
have a student, eh? Well, you're not the only one with that privilege. I also have an apprentice. Tristan, come here!"
Tristan, surprised by Maria's sudden call, rose from his seat. Although he could not see, he oriented himself towards Maria's voice and walked towards her with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Here I am, master Maria."
Maria, placing a hand on Tristan's shoulder, introduced her apprentice with a tone of satisfaction: "This is Tristan, my student. Despite his blindness, he has shown to be a mage with incredible potential. I'm sure he will become one of the best mages of Lamia Scale."
Master Ooba, with a piercing gaze, responded to Maria: "Do you really think so, Maria? It's clear that Elysia is the best." The sparks of rivalry between the two masters filled the air, creating a palpable atmosphere of tension.
Elysia, observing the scene, decided to join the discussion. With a confident smile and a challenging glint in her eyes, she addressed Tristan: "So you're the apprentice of a famous mage. Plus, you're blind, but that doesn't seem to stop you from practicing magic. I must admit, it's impressive."
Tristan, feeling the tension and challenge in Elysia's words, straightened up and replied firmly, "Thank you. And though I may not be able to see, I'm determined to become a great mage. Don't underestimate what I can do."
Elysia, approaching Tristan, said with a playful but provocative tone, "Well then, why don't we show our masters what we're made of? We could do a little demonstration of our magical abilities. Let's see who's really the best."
Tristan, though surprised by the proposal, didn't back down. "Okay, I accept your challenge. Even though I'm new to this, I won't give up easily."
Facing the challenge proposed between the apprentices, Maria and master Ooba intervened unexpectedly. Both, almost simultaneously, approached their respective students and gave them a knock on the head.
Maria, with a mix of severity and amusement in her voice, scolded Tristan, "How do you plan to demonstrate anything in a fight if you haven't started your training?"
Master Ooba, nodding in agreement, added, addressing Elysia, "Exactly. You too, Elysia. It's unwise to rush into demonstrations of skill when you still have much to learn."
Tristan, rubbing his head, nodded in understanding. "You're right, master Maria."
Elysia, also touching the spot where she was knocked, looked at her master and said, "Understood, master Ooba. It was a bit impulsive of me."
Master Ooba, with a cunning glint in her eyes, proposed, "However, that doesn't mean they can't learn something today. How about we do a small training exercise? Something simple for both to participate and learn."
Maria, interested in the idea with a defiant face, nodded. "That sounds like a much better plan."
Master Ooba, with a smile mixing satisfaction and cunning, continued her explanation, "Well, the task I'm going to assign you is simple but crucial in your training. I want each of you to create a basic elemental sphere using your magic. Tristan, focus on forming an ice sphere, and Elysia, try the same with the wind element. This exercise is key for you to learn to feel and control your elemental magic safely."
Looking at the young apprentices seriously, she added, "Since neither of you has formally started your training, I will personally assist Elysia in this exercise. Maria, I expect you to guide Tristan properly in his attempt with ice."
Maria nodded with determination and approached Tristan. "This is more than just creating a shape with your magic, Tristan. It's about understanding and connecting with the element you're trying to control. Imagine the cold, the crystalline structure of ice, how it forms and holds. You must feel it with your entire essence, not just your mind."
Tristan concentrated and closed his eyes, extending his hands forward and focusing his energy on the essence of ice. Beside him, Elysia, under master Ooba's supervision, did the same with the wind.
In Tristan's hands, a small ice sphere began to form, gaining clarity and stability. Elysia, with Ooba's guidance, managed to create a wind sphere that gently spun between her fingers.
The guild members watched with interest. "Look at that, the kid is about to make it!" exclaimed Alden, a mage with blond hair and blue eyes. "That Elysia also has talent!" commented Lila, a sorceress with dark hair and intense gaze. Jura, watching from a corner, nodded in acknowledgment. "They have great potential, both of them," he murmured.
Just as Tristan and Elysia were about to complete their
spheres, Maximus burst into the room, visibly annoyed by the previous blow. "You can't just hit me and expect me to stay quiet!" he shouted.
The sudden interruption broke the apprentices' concentration. The spheres they had been forming dissipated in an instant. Guild members let out exclamations of surprise and disappointment.
Both masters looked at Maximus with a mix of disbelief and anger. "Maximus, interrupting again!" exclaimed Ooba, frowning.
Maximus, realizing his mistake, stammered an apology and, seeing the furious glares from the masters, turned around and ran out of the room, tripping over his own cape in the process, which caused laughter among some of the present members.
Tristan and Elysia, though disappointed for not having completed the task, couldn't help but smile at the comical escape of Maximus. The tension in the room dissipated, and everyone shared a light laugh.
Tristan and Elysia, though they had not completed their task, couldn't help but smile upon hearing the comical situation caused by Maximus's clumsy escape. As the tension in the room dissipated, both young people, even though Tristan could not see, perceived in the atmosphere a new sense of rivalry and mutual respect. Tristan, through the laughter and comments of the others, and Elysia, seeing the scene directly, understood that each represented for the other a challenge to overcome. In that light atmosphere, a tacit promise of self-improvement was born.
Master Ooba's Office.
The atmosphere was one of solemnity and expectation. Tristan, Elysia, and Maria followed master Ooba, who sat behind her desk with a serious but kind expression.
Ooba began, addressing the young apprentices, "It's been a long time since this guild has had two children in its ranks. The last time was Jura and Maria." Her voice carried a tone of nostalgia mixed with pride.
Tristan and Elysia exchanged glances, or at least, Tristan turned towards where he felt Elysia's presence. It was a surprising revelation. Until that moment, they hadn't realized they were the only children in the guild. The rest were adults, mages and sorceresses with years of experience and adventures behind them.
Elysia, with a mix of astonishment and curiosity, asked, "So Maria and Jura also started like us here?"
Maria, with a smile, replied, "That's right. We all start as apprentices at some point. And now, you have the opportunity to follow that path."
Master Ooba nodded, addressing Tristan and Elysia with a gaze that reflected the depth of her experience and wisdom:
"Many people think that a guild is just a place where they look for missions in exchange for a reward, but those people are wrong," Ooba began with a firm voice. "Lamia Scale is much more than that. It's a space where unity and teamwork are the foundations of our strength. Here, we fully trust our companions and never, under any circumstances, leave someone behind."
Elysia, standing next to Tristan, nodded seriously. Ooba's words resonated with a truth she felt deeply, a commitment that every member of the guild carried with them day after day.
Ooba continued, her voice tinged with a tone that seemed to resonate with the very pillars of the guild, "And never forget this guild's motto: 'Magic makes the impossible possible'. At Lamia Scale, we strive to reach the unreachable, defying the limits of what is considered impossible. Here, each one finds their strength in mutual support, in determination, and in the desire for improvement."
Pausing, Ooba looked intently at the two young people, as if evaluating their readiness and inner strength. "Do you understand, Tristan, Elysia? Are you willing to be guided by this code from today on? Are you ready to accept not only the power of magic but also the responsibility that comes with being part of Lamia Scale?"
Tristan, although he couldn't see Ooba with his eyes, felt the intensity of her presence and the weight of her words. He nodded with conviction, understanding that his path as a wizard went far beyond learning spells and techniques. It was about being part of something bigger than himself.
Elysia, with a glint of determination in her eyes, responded with a firm voice, "Yes, master Ooba. I'm willing to follow the guild's code and give my best."
Ooba nodded in satisfaction, looking at the two apprentices. "Then, from today, you two are considered mages of Lamia Scale. Come closer, and I'll place the guild mark on you," announced Ooba Babasaaama with a solemnity that filled the room.
Tristan, excited about this significant moment in his life, approached the master with a mix of pride and nervousness. With determination, he chose to have the guild mark, a vibrant green symbol, placed on
his right shoulder, a location he felt was appropriate for his new identity as a mage.
Elysia, no less excited, approached after Tristan. With a confident smile, she chose her left shoulder to carry the guild mark, symbolizing her commitment and her entry into the world of magic.
As Ooba carefully placed the mark on each of them, a feeling of camaraderie and rivalry filled the air. It was a ritual that symbolized not only their acceptance into the guild but also the beginning of their journey into the vast and mysterious world of magic.
Maria, watching the process, felt a mix of excitement and responsibility. She knew that guiding Tristan on his path would not be an easy task, but she was determined to help him reach his full potential.
Master Ooba, after completing the ritual, addressed the entire room, "Today, Lamia Scale has not only gained two new members but also a new chapter in its history. Let's care for and guide these young mages so they can grow and contribute to the legacy of our guild."
With the Lamia Scale mark shining on their shoulders, Tristan and Elysia became more than just apprentices; their destinies were intertwined with the guild's legacy and the vast realm of Fiore. Ahead of them lay a path filled with inscrutable challenges and limitless opportunities. In that emblematic moment, their extraordinary journey together took its first steps towards an epic yet to be written.
A week later.
Tristan, enveloped in palpable boredom, wandered through the guild. Since that key encounter with master Ooba, Maria had disappeared without a trace or a clue about her whereabouts. The long-awaited start of his ice magic training remained on hold. Elysia and master Ooba were nowhere to be found either. "They're probably training," Tristan thought with a sigh of envy.
That's when Jura's voice broke into his thoughts. "Tristan, are you still waiting for Maria to start your training?"
Tristan looked up, his tone revealing the monotony of the past days. "Yes, she left a week ago and still hasn't returned. Not a single word."
Soon, Maximus's mocking voice joined the conversation. "Wow, how irresponsible. I always knew Maria wasn't cut out to be a teacher. Abandoning her apprentice like that..."
Jura, always seeking to balance things, replied with a conciliatory smile. "She must have a valid reason, perhaps an urgent mission."
Maximus, with his characteristic sarcasm, didn't miss the chance to jab. "Oh, of course! She's probably saving the world. How could I not have thought of that!"
Jura frowned, annoyed by the sarcastic tone. "Maximus dono, it's not fair to speak that way about Maria dono."
Maximus's playful laughter echoed. "Instead of defending yourself, why don't you just declare your love for her?" he teased, causing Jura to blush and shout, annoyed and nervous, "I would never fall for someone as bossy and irresponsible as her, who only thinks about training!"
At that precise moment, a shadow loomed behind Jura. Glowing red eyes radiated an unsettling aura, and a menacing voice interrogated, "Who is the bossy and irresponsible woman you're talking about?"
Realizing it was Maria, Jura turned pale. He looked for Maximus to blame him, but he had cunningly disappeared. As a bead of sweat ran down his forehead, Jura tried to escape, only to find a towering ice wall blocking his exit.
Jura, trapped between the ice wall and Maria's challenging gaze, swallowed hard, searching for the right words to smooth over the tense atmosphere. His trembling voice barely managed to articulate an apology. "Maria... I didn't mean to say..."
Maria, without losing the intensity of her gaze, moved even closer, almost within reach. "So now you don't know what to say? Interesting how things change when I'm present."
Jura, completely cornered, desperately searched his mind for a way out. "You see, Maria, what I meant to say is that... you're very passionate about your training, and that's something... admirable," he stammered, clumsily trying to shift the focus of his previous words.
In that moment, the atmosphere suddenly changed. Maria burst into laughter, dissipating the tense aura she had created. "Jura, your look of panic is priceless!" she exclaimed between laughs.
Jura, surprised by the sudden shift, blinked in confusion. "So you're not mad?" he asked cautiously.
Leaving a defeated Jura behind, Maria approached Tristan with a caring voice and a reassuring look. "Sorry for the delay, but today we'll finally start your training," she told him with a comforting smile. Tristan, with his acute auditory perception, could pick up on the tension in Maria's voice and decided, with determination, that he would never upset his master.
Maria and Tristan headed to the guild
's training field, located on the serene outskirts of Margaret City. Although the place lacked extravagant decoration, its spaciousness and the surrounding vegetation made it an ideal environment for magical practice, allowing mages to exercise freely without disturbing nearby inhabitants.
Once in the center of the field, Maria turned to Tristan. "To begin mastering ice magic, you must first familiarize yourself with its essence. Extend your hand," she instructed with a calm but firm voice.
Tristan complied, extending his expectant hand. Maria, with a fluid and precise movement, concentrated her magical energy and formed a small ice sphere that glowed with a cold radiance. Gently, she placed the sphere in Tristan's open palm, who felt the chill and solidity of the ice in his hand.
"This is your first challenge," Maria explained, closely observing her apprentice. "Keep this ice sphere intact for at least ten minutes. This exercise will help you tune in to the nature of ice and control your magic."
Tristan nodded and focused intently on the ice sphere. Despite his blindness, he strove to perceive every detail of the sphere: its weight, its temperature, its structure. However, the sphere melted almost instantly.
As the sky darkened, Tristan persisted in his attempt to maintain the ice sphere, but his maximum time did not exceed fifteen seconds. He was far from the goal, but each attempt was a step forward in his learning.
Finally, Maria decided it was enough for the day. "You've put in a great effort, Tristan. It's time to rest. We'll continue tomorrow," she said with a mix of pride and consideration.
Tristan, feeling frustrated yet determined, wanted to insist on continuing. "Please, master, let me try one more time. I can do it."
Maria, sensing the fatigue in her apprentice's voice, replied with a mix of severity and care: "You've worked hard, Tristan, but rest is vital. Fatigue won't help your training. Tomorrow is another day."
Maria Koori's perspective.
In the serenity of the training field, as night took over the sky, I watched Tristan intently. Each of his attempts to keep the ice sphere intact reflected admirable determination, a trait I had noticed in him since our first meeting. However, despite his undeniable effort and almost tangible focus, his maximum achievement did not exceed fifteen seconds before the ice yielded to the warmth of his palm.
I decided it was time to end the session. "We're done for today, you're too tired," I told him with a gentle but firm tone. I could feel his disappointment and his urgency to continue, but the fatigue burdening him was also palpable. "No, Tristan. Rest is just as important," I insisted. It was crucial that he understood that physical training wasn't the only essential thing; recovery and reflection were also part of the learning process.
I knew that understanding had to come from him. I couldn't teach him directly how to feel and understand his magic; it was a path he had to walk on his own. My role was to guide him, support him, and provide the necessary tools for his journey. But the real awakening of his ability had to come from within.
Lamia Scale Guild.
Tristan, enveloped in a cloud of frustration after his training, decided to seek refuge in the familiarity of the common room. Despite his blindness, he had become accustomed to the contours and corners of the place, moving with a security that belied his lack of vision. He settled in a corner, lost in his thoughts.
That's when Jura, with his usual calm tone and a hint of curiosity, approached. "Tristan, it seems something's bothering you. What's up?" he asked, his voice showing genuine interest.
Tristan, not hiding his dismay, shared his experience: "I couldn't keep the ice sphere as long as I needed. It only lasted fifteen seconds before melting... I feel like I didn't live up to expectations."
Jura, with an understanding sigh, sat beside him. "You see, Tristan, it's not always about reaching the goal on the first try. Magic, especially yours, requires understanding, not just strength. Maybe you're putting too much energy into the sphere, instead of balancing it. Think of magic like a river, not a flood."
Jura's words resonated with Tristan, offering a new perspective. "That makes sense... Maybe I need to be more subtle with my approach," he reflected aloud.
Jura left the boy reflecting, deciding to leave him alone.
At that moment, Maria, who had been watching from a distance, approached with firm steps. Her face showed a mix of irritation and concern. "Jura, what do you think you're doing? Part of learning is discovering things on your own," she scolded, her tone indicating she was not entirely pleased with Jura's intervention.
Jura, surprised by Maria's reaction, tried to justify himself: "I was just trying to help, Maria
. Sometimes, a little hint can make a big difference."
Maria, however, didn't seem convinced. "Tristan needs to learn to discover these things by himself. It's part of the process. You, of all mages, should know that," she retorted firmly before heading to the backyard, clearly angry.
Jura, watching her walk away, stayed silent for a moment, contemplating the situation. Then, with a slight smile and a sigh, he decided to follow her. "Maria, wait. Let's talk about this," he said, taking a few steps to catch up with her.
The next day, the Lamia Scale training field became a stage of determination and growth. Maria and Tristan, with firm steps, entered the field, but they were not alone. Master Ooba and Elysia, freshly returned from intensive training outside the city, also occupied a part of the ground.
Tristan, aware of Elysia's and his own master's presence, decided not to make contact to avoid interrupting their practices. Alongside Maria, they headed to the opposite end of the field, a place where they could focus without distractions.
Once there, Maria addressed Tristan with a tone of seriousness and understanding. "Tristan, yesterday was a tough day, and your record in keeping the ice sphere was only 15 seconds." Her voice revealed both concern and hope.
With a determined and thoughtful expression, Tristan nodded. "I've been thinking about my performance, and I think I know what I need to do to reach the ten-minute goal." His words resonated with a mix of newly acquired understanding and unbreakable will.
From a distance, master Ooba watched with interest. She knew Tristan's potential, and this new day of training promised to be a turning point in his path to becoming an exceptional ice mage.
Maria watched Tristan with a mix of anticipation and pride. "Alright, Tristan. Let's see how you've decided to approach the exercise today," she encouraged her apprentice.
With closed eyes, Tristan delved into deep concentration. Instead of forcing the formation of the ice sphere, he focused on feeling the cold energy flowing naturally through his being. He visualized the calm and resilience of ice, seeking a more intimate and serene connection with his element.
Around him, the air began to cool gently but in a controlled manner. In Tristan's palm, a small ice sphere started to take shape, showing stability and clarity he hadn't achieved the previous day.
Even Elysia, from her place on the field, was compelled to pay attention to Tristan. Master Ooba, for her part, observed with discreet amazement. Tristan's ability to learn and adapt was clearly above the ordinary.
With each passing second, the ice sphere in Tristan's hand remained firm and solid. His concentration was evident, and every moment the sphere stayed intact demonstrated his growing mastery over magic.
After an impressive record of five minutes, the sphere finally began to show signs of melting. Although he hadn't reached the ten-minute goal, this progress was remarkable compared to his previous record of 15 seconds. Maria approached him, her hand on Tristan's shoulder conveying approval and consolation. "You've made great progress, Tristan. This is just the beginning," she said, her smile revealing her satisfaction.
Tristan, despite fatigue, felt energized by his achievement. He knew the road ahead would be long, but this progress gave him the confidence and encouragement needed to continue.
Maria couldn't help but recall Jura's observations from the previous day. Despite their differences, Jura's insightful suggestions on training techniques had been valuable.
Maria and Tristan, walking towards the exit of the training field, crossed paths with Elysia and master Ooba. Both pairs stopped, and an air of mutual respect was established between the masters and their apprentices.
Ooba, with a cunning look, was the first to speak. "Maria, I see Tristan has improved a lot. His control over ice is impressive for his experience."
Maria nodded proudly. "Thank you, Ooba. Elysia also seems to be progressing well under your guidance. I wonder how our apprentices would fare in a real challenge."
Master Ooba smiled conspiratorially. "I was just thinking about that. How about a test for them in two years, when they turn 12? Not a fight between them, but something more constructive and challenging."
Maria, intrigued by the idea, inquired, "What do you have in mind?"
"A team battle," Ooba proposed. "We could pit Tristan and Elysia against two mages of their age range from another guild. It would be an excellent way to assess their progress and teach them the value of cooperation and strategy in combat."
Maria pondered for a moment before responding. "That sounds like an excellent plan. It would be a unique opportunity for them to demonstrate what they've learned and also to gain experience in real battle situations. Moreover, it would teach them the importance of working as a team."
Elysia and Tristan, listening
intently to the conversation, exchanged glances. Although two years were left for that challenge, both felt a mix of excitement and nervousness at the idea of facing mages from another guild.
Master Ooba concluded with a note of expectation in her voice. "It will be an event that will mark a milestone in their careers as mages. And who knows, it might just be the beginning of a great story for both of them in the world of magic."
With those words, the masters and apprentices parted ways, leaving Tristan and Elysia with a new goal in mind and a future full of possibilities. The promise of that future event resonated with an echo of excitement and expectation.
End of chapter 2.